My story began when I became a Wounded Warrior caregiver in 2013 and my husband was assigned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. I knew in 2008 that my husband was struggling with PTSD after the second combat tour to Iraq; however, he didn't receive care until 2013. The stress I experienced became overwhelming and I lost myself in caring for him. Trauma became the norm and learning how to overcome everything was challenging. My husband was medically retired in 2015 and I knew I wanted to help military families, veterans, and spouses, to show that you can come out on the other side and continue with a healthy relationship. Recovering from combat PTSD and dealing with the impact on your relationship can make it stronger and lasting.
About Christina Whittemore, MS, LMFT (Licensed in TX and NC)
My Story
My Mission
I will meet you where you are and advocate for you. I believe that you are the expert on you, and I am here to guide you through recovery. Y'all are taught to put on the uniform, but you are not taught how to take it off. Allowing yourself to face the military training and overcoming such will help you move forward with transitioning to civilian life and within your familial relationships. My mission is to provide support to the 1% of our population that have served, including spouses and extended families.
I want to help others understand and cope with the stressors surrounding the military lifestyle. Whether you are a spouse/significant other, parent, or extended family member, understanding the military lifestyle and culture will help you improve your relationship with your service member/loved one.
I am here for you.
The stigma of mental illness within the military still exists and I am here to tell you, getting help makes you stronger. Therapy is challenging and removing the mask you've become accustomed to wearing is even harder. Not everyone knows what it's like to live through this lifestyle.
I have the experience of being a military spouse and caregiver to a wounded warrior. I will not pretend to know what it's like for our service members being in combat. I have not been there, but rather been on the other side. I will never work harder than my clients and believe you get as much into therapy as you put into it. If you are ready to make a commitment to change and want to empower yourself, please contact me.